ABINGTON – Winning has always been the standard for head coach Jim Kelliher and Abington High football.

And for the past two years, that’s pretty much all they’ve done, going 23-2, winning the Super Bowl in 2012 with an undefeated record, and losing in the Division 5 state semifinals last year.

Despite graduating loads of talent the past two years, the expectations are no different for the Green Wave.

“As coaches, we don’t want to talk about rebuilding,” said Kelliher, who is entering his 41st year as Abington’s head coach. “We don’t want to talk about rebuilding with the kids.

“(We tell the kids) don’t be afraid to get on the field, but be ready.

“We try to get across to the kids as the years have gone by about the respect that we want people to have for Green Wave football and the respect that I want (our players) to have for Green Wave football.”

The Green Wave have lost four Enterprise All-Scholastics, including three-year starting lineman Steve Manning, but they return All-Scholastics Aidan Cawley and Shawn Donovan.

Cawley, a two-way player, will be a key receiver and was Abington’s top cornerback last year. Donovan, an explosive junior offensive weapon, finished with over 1,300 all-purpose yards.

“There’s no doubt that Shawn Donovan is going to be a key for anybody to watch,” said Kelliher.

Senior Bryan Dwyer returns as the quarterback.

“Without a doubt the quarterback is a leader because everybody looks at him,” said Kelliher. “(Dwyer) does a nice job.

“I know probably baseball is his first love, but at the same time he just comes here and he comes ready. You see him doing all those little things and those other guys look up to that.”

Sam Malafronte is a huge returnee for Abington. The linebacker injured his knee in Abington’s first game against Duxbury last season and never returned.

“Any coach would love to have this guy,” said Kelliher. “He is just so prepared and ready to get going.”

Brian O’Donovan and Ryan Paris will bolster both the offensive and defensive lines.

Luca Cerasani, who has versatility, will see time at guard, tight end and defensive end.

As they always do, the Green Wave will share the wealth in the backfield. Along with Donovan, junior Donnell Leon will get significant carries.

“We think he can be as good as anybody,” said Kelliher of Leon. “He’s certainly going to be key for us because we think he’s got the skills that any coach would want as a running back.

Page 2 of 2 - “His ball-handling skills, his catching skills, his running skills, they’re as good as anybody.”

In recent years, the Green Wave have been able to dominate their opponents with their bulk and size. This fall, Abington will have a smaller yet faster look.

“We see that we have a little bit more speed, a little bit more agility, not the same kind of size that we used to have,” said Kelliher. “I just think my skill guys have really come along.”

Kelliher and the Green Wave open their season on Sept. 12 against Cardinal Spellman and former East Bridgewater High coach Ron St. George.

Chris McDaniel may be reached at CMcDaniel@enterprisenews.com and followed on Twitter @ChrisMcDaniel88.